Stonger than the Struggle

On Father’s Day, I spent time thinking about my dad. He’s been gone for three years now—some days it seems like it’s been much longer, other days it seems like a fresh wound. Either way, he’s not here and didn’t get to see my first book, 2012: The Rising, published.

Speaking of that first book, I started writing it in 2009. It should have been out to agents and publishing houses in 2010. But when my dad died in May 2010, my life stopped. I didn’t run well that year and I didn’t write much that year. 2010 was the only year since I started NANO that I failed to make my fifty thousand words.

I kick myself for not persevering. Since my book is specifically about whether or not Earth would end on December 21, 2012 (which it obviously didn’t), I should have given it the attention it needed so it could have been published earlier and not on December 14, 2012. I often wonder if sales would have been better, had I not shut down.

I remember all the times in my life when I wanted to quit. My dad told me that the Hirase mind is stronger than the struggle, so I must keep going. That’s why I kept taking swimming lessons,  that’s why I’ve never had a DNF (did not finish) in a race, that’s why I finished law school, that’s why I completed my book in 2011.

Thanks to my dad’s advice, I am a strong athlete, I have a satisfying career, and I am a published author.

“Stronger than the struggle” is a great mantra that lifts my spirits when I’m ready to quit, and keeps me driving forward.

Thanks, Dad.

Market Research

For me, one of the most difficult aspects of writing is finding a home for my work. I’m not a patient person, so sitting and doing research is painful. Keeping the information organized is also not fun, but necessary.

Some people study the various books that come out every year, looking for the right match. I have to keep the bookmark or the legend that comes with it nearby, otherwise I can’t keep those symbols straight. Others use online tools, putting in keywords, and hoping they’re the right keywords. Yet others pay a service to do it for them.

Before online searches were available, I purchased two different market research books each year. I read the listings, highlighted certain ones, crossed out some that were definitely out of my genre, then the books sat, and I usually didn’t go any further than that.

When market research became available on the Internet, I bought a subscription. I poked around a bit, saved some searches, and never did anything else with them. Maybe I’m a dinosaur, but I missed my big books. I felt incomplete because I didn’t see every listing.

One day, I ran across Writer’s Relief (see my review here). I signed up for their newsletter and I saw the services they offered, but didn’t pay much attention. I paid attention when I won a contest, and my prize was free market research.

I probably didn’t do a great job filling out their form, but they still managed to find twenty agents for me to query. It was fast, it was painless, and I didn’t have to do the research myself. And because they have a huge, up-to-date database, the search was, I imagine, fast and painless for them as well. They also sent a tracking sheet they prepared, and my submissions went right out.

These days, I still struggle with market research. I haven’t bought the books in years, I let my subscription to the online service lapse, and I haven’t purchased services from any company. I find myself reading the random listings for agents and publishing houses in the newsletters I receive. That’s how I found Musa Publishing, my current publisher.

In the end, I suppose it doesn’t matter how it gets done.  As long as it gets done.

Donate Your Novel

I love donating to charities. Whether it’s clothing, food, or money, there are several organizations that we support. My husband and I know we’re blessed in many ways, and believe it’s important to share our blessings with those who are having a tough time.

The Wounded Warriors Project is a fantastic organization that supports service members who suffered an injury incident to serving our country after September 11, 2001. There are several ways to support the Wounded Warriors Project, and as an author, here is a perfect way: Authors for Wounded Warriors.

The books on my bookshelf are some of my most precious possessions. I have an eclectic mix of genres and nonfiction, but every book has some meaning to me. I love receiving books as gifts, and love giving them as well. When I read about Authors for Wounded Warriors, I knew I had to share the information (and I hope you will as well).

I was excited to hear that Musa Publishing is a corporate sponsor—it makes me even more proud to be a Musa author.

If you have a novel in .mobi format and want to donate your book, go to http://authorsforwoundedwarriors.wordpress.com/about/ . You’ll find all the information you need to provide along with your novel, and who to send it to. Also, take a look at the Home page. There is information about helping to restock the libraries that were affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Hats off to Ashley Mackler-Paternostro for creating Authors for Wounded Warriors!

 

Musings on MusaPublishing

 

After I wrote my novel, 2012: The Rising, I started sending queries to agents. I had some requests for chapters and full manuscripts, but because time was so short, I thought I should entertain small presses as well.

Another search ensued, and I sent more queries out. One evening in March 2012, I was surprised by an e-mail I received. It was from Matt at Musa Publishing. He said he was intrigued by my story, and wanted to offer me a contract.

I sat in disbelief. Could this be real? Was I finally getting the opportunity to publish my novel?

When I got the contract, I reviewed it, signed it, and did the few things that Musa asked me to do. Then I was introduced to an incredible group of writers at the Musa family. They are supportive of each other, and share a lot of helpful information. The staff is approachable, and that makes for a wonderful environment.

I feel blessed to be part of Musa and to be surrounded by such talent. Musa is growing, and they have already shown in the short time they have been around, what a mighty force they are.

I wasn't completely sold on e-books before Musa, but e-books are here to stay. I have joined the revolution, and even ordered a Kindle Fire!

If you are an author, I would encourage you to submit to Musa. If you are a reader, I would encourage you to browse their books and see the quality of work they produce. You'll never meet a harder working group of people, who really care about authors and readers.

 
It's hard to be an author, but the journey is easier and more enjoyable when you belong to a community as wonderful as Musa.